Terrence Shannon Jr. might already be too good for the G League

The Minnesota Timberwolves' roster is loaded with talent. At the conclusion of last season, they were so loaded up on veteran talent that they opted for a different strategy in the draft - bring in younger players that are league-ready in an effort to keep the championship window as wide open as it can be for as long as possible.

As a result of taking this mindset, Minnesota went with two superb talents in the 2024 draft - Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. One prospect was younger and more raw, one was older and more developed. But both were candidates to play in the Timberwolves' rotation from day one, as confirmed by President Tim Connelly.

Fast forward a few months, and some surprising developments changed the equation for Minnesota. The unexpected trading of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks forced Chris Finch and his staff to re-think how they would distribute minutes to the players this season. Incorporating Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo meant the Wolves gained greater depth, and it lessened the chances of Dillingham and Shannon playing meaningful minutes from day one.

So it was less surprising that Terrence Shannon earned his first G League assignment earlier this week with the Iowa Wolves. Shannon got to work right away, dominating in his debut with 34 points against the Motor City Cruise on Wednesday at Wayne State Fieldhouse.

Shannon put up 34 points in his Iowa Wolves debut

The rookie led all scorers from both teams and made 13 of his 23 shot attempts. He also added in six rebounds and six assists to help Iowa hand Motor City their first defeat of the season. Shannon used his size, physicality, and excellent interior scoring touch to dominate the contest. In doing so, he looked the part of someone who is already too good to be playing in the G League.

Terrence's assignment to the Iowa Wolves does not last for any specific period, so it is possible he could get called back up after this monster outing. In all likelihood, the Timberwolves will let him stay in his rhythm and have him play at least a couple more games in the G League, but he is clearly showing he can compete at the NBA level.

The problem with Shannon getting minutes with the NBA club was never about him not being ready, but rather it was always about him simply being buried too deep in a talented rotation of wing players. If he continues to dominate the minor leagues like he did on Wednesday, Chris Finch may want to bring his talent back to Minnesota in short order.